Last year, Sato stepped in as a replacement for Jacques Villeneuve and finished sixth. He expects more of himself this time.

Schumacher has failed to win any of the last three races and the German appeared to have mentally switched off in China, where he finished 12th.

Schumacher's Ferrari team mate Rubens Barrichello will be bidding to make it three victories in a row, and will certainly be the favourite in the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, but the overwhelming support in Japan will be for BAR.

With Button eager to leave for Williams at the end of the season, BAR could struggle for continuity next year.

Sato has already been confirmed as one of BAR's drivers for 2005 and will be anxious to justify the faith shown by team chief David Richards.